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Re: OTA Notes from June 6

Tony,

Thank you so much for providing insights into the OTAs. Like most Ravens fans, each day I am starved to learn of the progress of the players and ultimately the team each day. The local TV channels do not have the time, nor seemingly the desire to provide much more than 10,000 foot highlights. I realize that you can not take requests, however I am more than curious of how Cullen Finnerty looks during the drills.

I do not watch college ball (I don't have the time on Saturdays) and I did not know much about him before the NFL Draft. I researched his impressive stats after we picked him up after the draft; and I am very curious of his progress or lack thereof? For some strange reason I am intrigued by his background and impressive stats from his college career. How much of it can or will transfer to the big boys in the NFL is the great unknown?

I know that most likely the QBs will be: McNair, Boller & Smith - at this point, probably the top three QBs on the roster. If Finnerty is worth keeping he will be the Practice Squad QB for whatever length of time. (Hello Phil Savage!)

I would be most grateful if you would be kind enough to devote a few sentences specifically to Finnerty and Troy Smith as well. Sooner or later we have to stumble upon a good young, long term QB to lead the team...

Thank you, if you can... and thank you, if you can't for your excellent reporting.

Re: OTA Notes from June 6

WRW,

It's far too early to draw any conclusions but I have been impressed with the progress made by Smith and Finnerty. Neither seems very starry-eyed to me but then again, neither has taken on the first team defense either.

My guess is that Smith makes the team and that will leave the Ravens with some difficult decisions/roster risks particularly if Finnerty does well throughout camp. And don't forget about Drew Olson. He's having a decent season in Europe and while his play isn't pretty, he has shown an ability to win wherever he's been.

Re: OTA Notes from June 6

Tony, as always, an awesome read. I wait all day for those articles.

Had a few questions. How has Antwan Barnes looked? Is he as athletic & quick as advertised? Also, how does McNair look physically & how does his arm-strength look as compared to last season? Finally, are there any players that have surprised you, thus far?? Thanks...

Re: OTA Notes from June 6

Originally Posted by lance1086

Tony, as always, an awesome read. I wait all day for those articles.

Had a few questions. How has Antwan Barnes looked? Is he as athletic & quick as advertised? Also, how does McNair look physically & how does his arm-strength look as compared to last season? Finally, are there any players that have surprised you, thus far?? Thanks...

My pleasure Lance....thanks for reading.

Barnes is very quick and has an explosive first step. He will be a nuisance to opponents when they are forced to pass. I hate to put this on him already but the physical attributes remind me a bit of Dwight Freeney. How he takes to coaching and how he refines his game so that he's less predictable and develops a repertoire of pass rushing moves will determine how good he can be. The God given skills are evident.

McNair was very good today and I think greater certainty in the offense will enable him to deliver passes with more authority. That said, he is what he is and you aren't going to see 60 yard spirals down the sidelines.

It's hard to suggest surprises thus far since these are basically passing camps in shorts...Devard Darling has practiced very well and he's been the recipient of several kudos from Neuheisel and Mike Johnson. Suggs' conditioning is excellent...McClain looks like a natural pass catcher out of the backfield...Smith and Finnerty don't seem to be as in awe as I thought they might...no major surprises though...I do like the quiet resolve of the team...the loss to the Colts stings and that has left them very focused. We'll see how that plays out but I'm optimistic.

Re: OTA Notes from June 6

Originally Posted by festivus

Thanks TL.

A little surprised it isn't Yanda.

As well, thanks TL.... It's nice to not pay for articles, adn for that I will keep reading and clicking on banners...

That said, I am not surprised that Kracalik is participating in the drills at LT... due to the fact that they would move Terry over if Ogden were hurt, Yanda is playign wehre he should be, RT on the Second team. As such, Terry is where he should be, on the RT, where he will start. Again, that Is why I'm glad that Chester, then Grubbs are on the top two teams at RG, as one of them will no doubt be starting there.... Get used to where you will be.

Re: OTA Notes from June 6

Originally Posted by jonboy79

As well, thanks TL.... It's nice to not pay for articles, adn for that I will keep reading and clicking on banners...

That said, I am not surprised that Kracalik is participating in the drills at LT... due to the fact that they would move Terry over if Ogden were hurt, Yanda is playign wehre he should be, RT on the Second team. As such, Terry is where he should be, on the RT, where he will start. Again, that Is why I'm glad that Chester, then Grubbs are on the top two teams at RG, as one of them will no doubt be starting there.... Get used to where you will be.

I thank all of YOU for your support.....things are only going to get better here and in Owings Mills...

As for Kracalik, he's the better option to plug in at LT during practices. Not that he's a better LT than Terry....far from it. But one of the issues Terry had last year is that he didn't get the needed reps in camp at RT that the team had hoped for and that was due to Ogden's absence from camp in '06 as he mourned the passing of his Dad. The team doesn't want to shift Terry to the left in practice. He's shown that he can play LT. They haven't seen that yet at RT. Terry will be the starter there and I believe he will perform at no less than the level of Tony Pashos.

Re: OTA Notes from June 6

TL,

If you don't mind another question... I've read where Figurs has "dropped a few passes". I"m no doctor, don't play one on TV or did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night - but have the Ravens given the kid an eye exam? I can't believe that all pro-sport teams do not require a mandatory eye exam as part of their annual routine team exams for each player.

I recall Patrick Johnson (sometimes stone hands) finally he and the team realized he had a sight issue. I was just wondering... if part of the drops could be visual related?

Re: OTA Notes from June 6

Tony, thanks a million for the OTA report. As an out-of-towner, I very much appreciate it. I noticed that Devard Darling seemed to be doing well, and running good routes. I was glad to see that, because I'm also from the Caribbean, and want him not only to succeed, but to succeed with the Ravens. Last year, he had one great game in the pre-season, when Boller threw some long balls to him and he made some good moves and fantastic catches. But then it seems he just disappeared. I heard that his routes were not sharp, so it's good to see now that he has improved. Hope he makes the team. He's big and strong and fast, and could stretch the field.